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Q.
Are there physical attributes that help people differentiate between the two of you?
A.
“My hair is a lot longer than Alex’s! We are a lot alike but also very different.”
Statistics from 2017 show that there were 33.3 twin births per thousand while in 1980, there were only 19 twins born per thousand. Even though twins are still a rare occurrence, they have become more frequent. According to a study done at the University of Texas, identical twins are more likely to occur by chance, but fraternal twins are usually hereditary. If fraternal twins run in a family, the chances of giving birth to twins increases. Opposite sex fraternal twins account for two-thirds of twin births, while identical twins account for only onethird. If twins are the same sex, it is much harder to determine whether or not they are fraternal or identical. However, if the two are commonly mistaken for each other, they are most likely identical. The only way to make sure that the twins are identical or fraternal is through DNA testing. Recently, semi-identical twins popped up in Australia. They were discovered through genetic tests and both shared one placenta. However, these twins happened to be male and female, which is not possible for identical twins. Thus, the semiidentical term was born, pun intended. This occurrence is extremely rare, as this was the first and only time semiidentical twins were discovered. Our fascination with twins will undoubtedly continue.
Seeing Double Story: Kat Tate Photo: Submitted by Drew and Alex Givens
